Advertise on podcast: The Detroit Evening Report

Subzero wind chills are expected this weekend as the National Weather Service has issued a cold weather advisory for southeast Michigan. Even though today’s high will reach about 35 degrees, overnight lows are expected to dip well below zero with wind chill. The Weather Service says frostbite on exposed skin can happen in under 30 minutes. The advisory is in effect until around noon Saturday. A warmup is expected Tuesday and Wednesday, with temperatures trending above normal and highs and lows climbing out of the teens. Additional headlines for February 6, 2026 Detroit opens shelters and respite sites Until then, the city of Detroit is offering standby shelters and expanded library respite hours to protect residents from the deep freeze. In partnership with Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, the sites will operate from 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, through noon Monday, Feb. 9. If you are concerned about someone’s safety, call 911 to request a welfare check. More information, including locations and hours, is available at detroitmi.gov. Big Sean and Usher youth facility opens at Michigan Central A $1 million investment in an entertainment production facility for Detroit youth from Big Sean and music artist Usher is now official. Leaders held a ribbon cutting this week for the new space. The facility is part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit and is located on the fifth floor of Michigan Central Station. The new hub includes creative technology studios, special effects labs and a literary and storytelling lounge. It is designed for young people ages 14 to 24. Programming is set to begin Sunday, Feb. 9. Sports The Pistons lost at home Thursday to the Washington Wizards, 126 to 117. Detroit looks to bounce back tonight against the New York Knicks at Little Caesars Arena. Tipoff is 7:30 p.m. Sunday is Super Bowl Sunday. Even if the Lions are not playing, keep an eye out for new commercials from Detroit based organizations Rocket Companies and Redfin. Kickoff is 6:30 p.m. Eastern. Book event: Lachi discusses I Identify as Blind Grammy-nominated artist Lachi will speak at an event Monday, Feb. 9, from 6:30 to 7 p.m. for her new book, I Identify as Blind: A Brazen Celebration of Disability Culture, Identity, and Power. The event includes a conversation with disability advocate Tameka Citchen Spruce. Lachi was born legally blind and identifies as neurodivergent. The book explores her experiences, with the goal of challenging stereotypes and empowering people with disabilities. For more information, visit Eventbrite.

President Trump is continuing to push lies about the 2020 presidential election in Detroit.  During an executive order signing to end the government shutdown, Trump told reporters he thinks Republicans should take election rights away from some states that the president did not win in 2020. He used three prominent swing states as examples.  "Take a look at Detroit... take a look at Pennsylvania... take a look at Philadelphia. You go take a look at Atlanta. Look at some of the places that... horrible corruption on elections."  Prominent Republican strategist and Trump-ally Steve Bannon has said ICE agents would be sent to polling places in this year's midterm elections.  Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey says any attempt to take over voting would be partisan politics at its worst. Winfrey says the results were fair and transparent then and subsequent elections have been, too. The U.S. Constitution says states decide how to conduct elections. Congress can enact some regulations, but the president has no control over elections.  Additional headlines for Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026 Critique on Sheffield's order on assessments The Coalition of Property Tax Justice says Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield’s recent executive order is too vague and does not do enough to stop over assessments in the city.   Sheffield signed an order last week aimed at improving transparency in the city’s assessment process and requiring the office to meet national standards.    Professor Bernadette Athutahene says the order does not specify how to conduct an assessment ratio study, which is required by the property tax reform ordinance.   "We thought that the executive order would say, you know, to do a mass appraisal report, and those two things are different. The mass appraisal report, you can't apply Iao standards to a mass appraisal report." The coalition did praise Sheffield for requiring the office follow the ratio standards of the International Association of Assessing Officers.  The coalition published a revised version of the executive order with more parameter specifics for a property assessment.   ICE detention facility proposed in Romulus A 500 bed ICE detention facility has been proposed for Romulus, but officials say it’s not set in stone. Romulus was among 23 locations nationwide identified in a recent Bloomberg report detailing the Trump administration's plan to buy warehouses and convert them into ICE detention centers.  The Washington Post reported in December that a warehouse in Highland Park was being looked at as a potential location. The Mayor of Highland Park has recently said the city was not interested at all and the city lacks the space for such a plan.  

I-94 project begins this week Detroiters who use I-94 to get to and from Metro Airport are about to experience some delays. The Michigan Department of Transportation is starting a three-year construction project this week. Thirteen miles of the freeway from Dearborn to Romulus will undergo major renovations, including concrete work, bridge work, and the rebuilding of the Ecorse Road interchange. I-94 will be reduced to two lanes in each direction during construction. Officials say drivers will continue to have access to Metro Airport from I-94. Airport security increased The next time you go to Metro Airport, you might notice some differences. The Detroit Free Press reports the airport has installed 9,000-pound concrete barriers in front of the McNamara terminal entrance. The change was prompted by an incident last month in which a man drove his car through the front door at the departure level of the McNamara terminal and into a ticket counter. No one was hurt. Officials say the crash was not an accident. Additional headlines for February 4, 2026 Candidate forum on education Several of Michigan’s candidates for governor will gather in Detroit on Friday to discuss education. The Michigan Education Association is hosting a forum on the subject, saying it gives state residents a chance to hear from candidates on the issue. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, former Attorney General Mike Cox, former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson are scheduled to appear. The forum runs from 10:30 a.m. until noon on Friday at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center. Ish celebration of life Sunday The American Arab Chamber of Commerce will hold a tribute to Ismael Ahmed on Sunday. The community activist and civil rights leader died last weekend. Ahmed had a major impact on metro Detroit, co-founding the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services. He also played a crucial role in the creation of the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn. The Celebration of Life in Honor of Ismael Ahmed takes place Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Ford Performing and Community Arts Center in Dearborn. The event is free and open to the public. Pistons trade Ivey The Detroit Pistons have traded guard Jaden Ivey in a three-team deal with the Chicago Bulls and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Ivey goes to Chicago. The Pistons receive Kevin Huerter, Dario Šarić, and a first-round pick swap with the Timberwolves. Minnesota receives luxury tax relief. Gaming Control Board issues warning The Michigan Gaming Control Board is warning gamblers to protect themselves in the days leading up to Super Bowl Sunday. The agency says residents should only place bets with state-authorized sportsbook operators and online platforms. Officials warn that unlicensed gaming can lead to identity theft or the loss of wagering money. The Gaming Control Board is also urging Michiganders to bet responsibly. The American Gaming Association estimates more than $1.7 billion will be wagered on the Super Bowl. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Dearborn will soon use drones to serve as the very first responders in a variety of incidents where police assistance is requested. The Drones as First Responder program is the first in Michigan. It will deploy aerial drones to any part of the city within 5 minutes to provide real-time video information about situations including traffic accidents, vehicle and property break-ins and violent crimes. The city says the footage will allow officers to respond more safely to emergencies and complex situations and improve decision-making. They say officers will be able to better assess situations before they arrive on scene. The police department says it will make flight data available to the public on a transparency dashboard.    Additional headlines for Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026 Dearborn Public Schools continues search for superintendent The search continues to find a superintendent for Dearborn Public Schools. Former superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko, stepped down from his position to serve as the State Superintendent. Lamis Srour is serving as the interim super until the position is filled.  The district is collecting public input about the search until Feb. 16. People can fill out an online survey available in English, Arabic and Spanish. The Michigan Leadership Institute will also host stakeholder meetings Feb. 5 at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. The district hopes to have a new leader ready to start on July 1, 2026.   EPA removes hazardous materials The Environmental Protection Agency is removing hazardous materials from a former industrial chemical plant in Detroit. The EMCO facility on Lawton Street closed in 2023. Nine months later, someone vandalized the property and set a car on fire, which spread to a storage site containing more than 400 drums of chemicals. The Detroit Fire Department put the flames out before the drums could ignite. The EPA says it should finish cleaning up the site this summer.  Hollier announces state senate run Adam Hollier announced he is no longer running for Secretary of State. Instead he will run for the state senate seat for District 3. District 3 includes Hamtramck, Highland Park and the east side of Detroit. Stephanie Chang currently represents the district. Hollier served in the state senate representing District 2 from 2018-2023.  Detroit Red program honors Malcolm X, jazz, and Detroit A new musical performance honoring the legacy of Malcolm X, the history of jazz, and Detroit is coming to Wayne State University. Detroit Red has a 10-piece multidisciplinary ensemble composed of artists LuFuki and Destiny Muhammad. The program will include panel discussions, workshops, and performances.  Detroit Red will be held Feb. 8th at the Valade Jazz Center at Wayne State University.  Malcolm X gave his last speech at the university’s State Hall on February 14th in 1965. The program is hosted by DREAM of Detroit and is free to the public. To reserve your spot, visit detroitred.org.  Konjo Me has a new location Ethiopian food pop-up Konjo Me has found a home at the Detroit Shipping Company. The space is currently under construction, but owner Helina Melaku says it will open soon, offering fresh Ethiopian food, coffee and culture to diners in Midtown. 

Ismael Ahmed dies Arab American activist and civil rights leader Ismael Ahmed has died. He was 78 years old. Ahmed co-founded the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services in 1971. He was instrumental in the creation of the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn. Ahmed later worked in the Granholm administration as head of the Michigan Department of Human Services, leading one of the state’s largest agencies. Throughout his life, Ahmed, known to many as Ish, believed strongly in the importance of fighting poverty. In a 2008 video message to DHS staff, he said: “The question of poverty is the most important question of our time. I think we have lost the battle around that question. Many people have forgotten the importance and the powerful way poverty affects our lives.” Ahmed founded the annual Concert of Colors series in 1993. For many years, he also hosted the programs Radio Free Earth and This Island Earth on WDET. Reported by Jerome Vaughn. Hamtramck lead in water The City of Hamtramck has elevated lead levels in its drinking water. The city posted a public notice on Facebook on January 22. Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant people and children. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy evaluates lead levels in the city for compliance. Hamtramck’s lead levels exceed the action level of 12 parts per billion. There is no safe level of lead in drinking water. The designation means that 10 percent of homes tested had high lead levels. The notice says ongoing testing occurs every six months and that service lines may be replaced. People with faucets installed before 2014 are at higher risk. Boiling water does not remove lead. The city recommends running cold water for up to five minutes before use and having children tested for lead in their blood. Hamtramck participates in the state health department’s Faucet and Filter Safety Net Program. Residents may be eligible for a water filter if they have lead plumbing or faucets installed before 2014. Eligible households must include Medicaid recipients who are pregnant or children. For assistance, call 844-934-1315. https://hamtramckcity.gov/elevated-lead-levels-in-some-homes-in-hamtramck/ Dearborn overdose decline The City of Dearborn reports fewer overdose deaths for the second year in a row, with a 36 percent decrease in 2025. The Dearborn Department of Public Health was created in April 2022. The department installed free Narcan vending machines throughout the city to help reduce overdose deaths. It also works to raise awareness about substance use disorder and reduce the stigma around seeking help. Narcan is a medication that reverses opioid overdoses. Free Narcan is available at vending machines located at the John D. Dingell Transit Center, the East Parking Deck at West Village Drive, the Wagner Parking Deck, and the Islamic Center of Detroit. More information is available at Dearborn.gov/PublicHealth.

Vitti says immigration concerns are keeping kids home During his State of the Schools address, Detroit Public Schools Community District Superintendent Nikolai Vitti said immigration concerns are contributing to lower student attendance. While there have been no reports of immigration agents entering Detroit school buildings, some families remain afraid to send their children to school. Attendance declines began in January 2025, around the start of the Trump administration, and have continued into this year. Last year, 61 percent of Detroit students were considered chronically absent, meaning they missed more than 10 percent of the school year. Vitti said immigration concerns played a role in those numbers. The district recently released an informational pamphlet for families who may have concerns about immigration status, offering guidance and connections to resources. No charges in deaths of two children in Detroit parking garage Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy announced that no charges will be filed against a Detroit mother whose two children died last year in a parking garage. An autopsy determined the children died from carbon monoxide poisoning rather than hypothermia. The mother, who was experiencing homelessness at the time, had sought shelter in December 2023, but records indicate a city shelter was unable to reach her. In response to recent dangerously cold temperatures, Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield is urging residents to seek shelter if needed. The city reports approximately 1,700 shelter beds are available for families. Sheffield emphasized that no Detroiter should be without access to warmth during extreme cold. Pro sports update NBA: The Detroit Pistons lost to the Phoenix Suns 114–96. The team remains on the West Coast and will face the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center in San Francisco tonight at 10 p.m. Eastern. NHL: The Detroit Red Wings fell to the Washington Capitals 4–3. The Red Wings are second in the Atlantic Division and will take on the Colorado Avalanche tomorrow, Saturday, January 31, at 1 p.m. at Little Caesars Arena. Local sports: Detroit athlete makes NIL history Chandler Park Academy basketball player Jeremiah Jackson has become the first high school athlete in Michigan to sign a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal. The Michigan High School Athletic Association recently expanded its rules to allow high school athletes to earn money through endorsements, social media promotions, and related opportunities. Jackson’s NIL deal is with Flamz Pizzeria, a restaurant located on East Warren Avenue in Detroit. Events and weekend picks Virtual event on the American Revolution The Interfaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit is hosting a free virtual discussion on Monday examining the American story 250 years after the American Revolution. The event will be led by Bob Brutell, Adjunct Professor of Religious Studies and History at the University of Detroit Mercy, and Dr. Kyle Roberts, Executive Director of the Congregational Library and Archives. “Remembering the Unfinished American Revolution” takes place Monday, February 2, at 1 p.m. Registration details are available online. Detroit Symphony Orchestra: Epic Film Scores The Detroit Symphony Orchestra presents a concert featuring iconic film music, conducted by Steve Reineke. The program highlights legendary composers and scores from films including Psycho, The Godfather, Gladiator, Star Trek, and Star Wars. Performances: Friday, January 30 at 8 p.m. Saturday, January 31 at 8 p.m. Sunday, February 1 at 3 p.m. More info: dso.org The Saunderson Brothers at Big Pink Big Pink hosts a House and Techno night featuring The Saunderson Brothers. Organizers promise a high-energy set packed with crowd favorites. The event runs tonight from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. More info: bigpinklovesyou.com

Detroit City Council Member Mary Waters is proposing an ordinance that would limit the ability of law enforcement to cover their faces while they’re on the job. The proposed ordinance states that no local, state, or federal law enforcement agency would be permitted to wear masks or any other facial covering while performing their duties in the City of Detroit. Member Waters said in a statement the she will not have a city where a masked mob can enforce the law with impunity. The ordinance would be named the "Alex Pretti Detroit No Masks" ordinance in honor of the Minnesota man who was killed by ICE agents last week. Council is expect to refer the proposal to committee in the next coming weeks. -Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley Additional headlines from Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026 Limiting road salt use and snow removal If you noticed that there is less salt on the ground following the wintery mix we received the past few weeks, you’re not wrong. The above average snowfall is causing a lot of local governments to use more salt than they have in years. But because the temperatures are too low for the salt to work, they are rationing salt to the most critical routes. Salt becomes less effective in temperatures below 15 degrees according to University of Michigan Climate experts. And in extreme cold temperatures some trucks switch from salt to sand because it provides more traction without relying on melting. Some areas are alerting that the snow may not be plowed right away because removing the snow can create icy conditions and decrease the traction provided by fresh snowfall. Cities like Lansing issued a notice to residents that they will only focus on critical areas. Weather forecast And for those tired of the cold, warmer days are ahead after this weekend. The extreme cold is expected to last through Jan. 30 but according to the National Weather Service warmer air will move in for the weekend. What does the warmer air mean? The temperatures across the state will rise into the low 20s. It will be 28 in Detroit and 26 in Lansing on Tuesday. It may not seem like a lot but I promise Spring is coming…eventually. Process + Perception exhibit And starting today til Feb. 21, the Detroit Artists Market is hosting their new viewing of the Process + Perception Exhibition. It’s a group exhibition of 2D and 3D process-driven artworks that’s created through layered materials and imagery. Organizers say the viewing will range from quiet and contemplative to intense and overwhelming.

Detroiters are dealing the many effects of frigid weather.  One of them is frozen infrastructure.  The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department says there are more than 50 active water main breaks across the city.  The results can include impassable streets, thick ice, and cars on the street frozen in place.  City officials say there are also 275 fire hydrants that are out of service.  DWSD Director Gary Brown spoke with WDET’s Bre’Anna Tinsley about the impact of the freezing weather.  He says the department is getting many calls from residents dealing with frozen pipes inside homes.  Brown advises them to keep the house heated and insulate pipes on outside walls to keep pipes from bursting and damaging homes.  Additional headlines for Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 Wayne State locked down  Wayne State University was locked down for a couple of hours last night after a shooting in one of its residence halls.  Police say a fight between people who knew one another took place at the Chatsworth Suites, near the Student Center.  Shots were fired.   Police were dispatched, but the people involved had already left the building  Students were advised to shelter in place as officers searched for the suspects.  A firearm was recovered.  Police determined there was no further threat to the campus community and the all-clear was given to around midnight. No arrests have been made yet.  Perry Johnson joins governor’s race  Michigan businessman Perry Johnson says he’s running to become Michigan’s next governor.  The Republican announced his bid in a video earlier this week.  “I know people say it can’t be done.  Nonsense.  We can make Michigan great again.  I’m Perry Johnson and I’m running for governor of the state of Michigan.”  Johnson ran for governor in 2022, but his campaign did not collect enough valid signatures and failed to make the ballot.  He also ran for president in 2024.   Johnson joins the race for the Republican nomination with more than half a dozen other candidates.  The primary election takes place in August.  Jared Goff going to Pro Bowl  Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is going to the NFL Pro Bowl.  He will take the place of Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, who will be busy preparing to lead that team in the Super Bowl.  Goff finished the season with more than 45-hundred passing yards – second best in the league.  The Lions failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2021. 

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield announced a new protocol that will increase oversight for property managers in the city – especially for senior housing.  The four point plan mandates increased inspections and communication between the city and property managers, and new citations and fines up to $2000 for violations. Sheffield says they are also launching a senior advocate program. "You can expect to see a senior advocate in your building at least twice a month. Those senior advocates will be connecting you with information and resources, whether it's quality of life issues or even access to recreational activities as well." Sheffield says the senior advocate will also create a tenant council in every senior housing development. She says the new protocol will also double the number of elevator inspections at properties in the city. -Reporting by Bre'Anna Tinsley Additional headlines for Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026  ICE and Detroit Following the killing of another American by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minneapolis, Mayor Sheffield says Detroit residents should feel safe and respected in the city. Sheffield says she is always looking for ways to improve safety, but that so far what they have been doing has been working. "We have done a great job of ensuring that we are not a target or on the radar in the city of Detroit, and we will continue down that path."  Sheffield says she is planning to meet with City Council Member Gabriela Santiago-Romero, who has been very vocal about ICE enforcement tactics in the city. Sheffield posted a statement on social media saying the city "stands with the people of Minnesota as they exercise their First Amendment rights..." She did not condemn the violent actions of ICE agents.  -Reporting by Bre'Anna Tinsley Warming shelters stay open The City of Detroit and its nonprofit partners will keep overnight warming shelters open for the rest of the week. The National Weather Service is forecasting nighttime temperatures below zero Thursday and Friday. The mayor's office is working with the Neighborhood Service Organization, the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, and the Pope Francis Center to help families and single adults escape the cold.  Residents can also call the city's Housing Resource Helpline between 8am and 6 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to noon on weekends. That number is 866-313-2520.  -Reporting by Pat Batcheller Newspaper buy out The owners of the Detroit Free Press plan to buy the Detroit News. USA Today's announcement comes less than a month after the newspapers ended their 36-year-old joint operating agreement. The company formerly known as Gannett says it expects to close the deal this week, adding that both papers will continue to publish separately. The Detroit News recently said it would print its own Sunday edition for the first time since the joint operating agreement began. It's not clear how the sale will affect that plan.  -Reporting by Pat Batcheller

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is offering stipends for interns enrolled in a behavioral health bachelor or master’s program. MDHHS is allocating $1.25 million for the program.   MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel says the funding supports mental health care workers. The Behavioral Health Internship Stipend Program is in its fourth cohort, which supported 159 students last year. The program offers money to students for unpaid internship costs such as tuition, fees, and living expenses.  Students pursuing degrees in marriage or family therapy, behavioral analyst,  social workers and counselors are eligible to apply for the one-time stipend ranging from $5 to $15,000 each. Applications close tonight. Additional headlines for Monday, Jan. 26, 2026 Radon Action Month January is Radon Action Month. Radon is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that’s found in soil. It’s naturally created through the breakdown of uranium in soil around homes. The gas can cause lung tissue damage through radiation, making it the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers.  Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy recommends testing homes every two years for exposure. People can pick up a testing kit from their local health department.     Al-Ikhlas Director Nadir Ahmad passes away  Detroit’s Al-Ikhlas Training Academy’s Director and Founder, Imam Nadir Ahmad passed away on Jan. 22. His funeral was held on Saturday. In 2020, the Dream Storytelling oral history project interviewed Ahmad. He told the archive he moved from Virginia to Detroit to study Islam at the Wayne County Community College as part of the Muslim World Studies Program in 1980.  Ahmad taught at the Clara Muhammad School in Detroit, later serving as assistant principal and then principal. Ahmad founded the Islamic school Al-Ikhlas Training Academy in Detroit in 1991. Community members and current and former students posted several comments on Facebook, sharing memories and commemorating the educational leader as someone who defined an era in Detroit. Ahmad was also a U.S. military veteran.   ProsperUs Detroit hosts training program ProsperUs Detroit is hosting an Entrepreneur Training Program for the Spring of 2026. The 12-week program provides one-on-one support for businesses to learn how to register their business, create budgets and systems for bookkeeping. The group will also learn how to write a business plan. Participants will also study business models, target markets, and finances. Applications are due by Feb. 1.  Outlier and Detroit-ography trivia night The Outlier Collective is hosting a trivia event next month. Test your knowledge of Detroit with Outlier Media’s Civic Life Reporter Briana Rice and Detroit-ography’s Alex B. Hill. Tickets are $5 a person. The event is being hosted by Outlier Media and Detroit-ography at the Brewery Faisan on Feb. 4 from 6:30-9 p.m. Register at outliermedia.org/our-events/.    Editor's note: Corrected Al-Ikhals Director Nadir Ahmad's title, from Dr. to Imam on 1/27/26. We apologize for the error.  

City of Detroit is partnering with organizations to extend stand-by shelters and respite locations due to the extreme cold coming this weekend. The Neighborhood Service Organization will open from Friday Jan 23 at 6 p.m. to Tuesday, Jan. 27 at noon. This site can only accept single adults. Pope Francis Center is sheltering people through Jan. 27 at noon as well. They are also only accepting single adults. And the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries is operating through Jan. 27 at noon. They are accepting families and single adults. Residents seeking relief from the bitter cold may also visit Detroit recreation centers and public library branches during regular operating hours. Any individuals sleeping outside and needing help after hours can go to a police precinct to be connected with an outreach team for help with overnight services. Additional headlines for Friday, Jan. 23, 2026 Due to the deep freeze this weekend, the Detroit Zoo and the Belle Isle Nature Center are closed today and Saturday. Animal care staff worked to ensure the animals continued to receive the care they need. The parks hope to be open on Sunday, but they will monitor the weather forecast before making that decision. The National Weather service issued a cold weather advisory for all of southeast Michigan that lasts until Saturday morning. The agency says exposed skin could be damaged in as little as half an hour, and they say pet owners should not leave their animals outdoors. Wayne County Juvenile Detention hosts open interviews The Wayne County Juvenile Detention Facility is hosting open interviews for two critical roles from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24 at the Wayne County Criminal Justice Center. They will host a hiring event for individuals interested in becoming one of their Juvenile Detention Specialists or a Crisis Response Team Specialist. For more information go to waynecountymichigan.gov. Sports NBA The Detroit Pistons are on a 4 game winning streak and hope to extend that today when they face the Houston Rockets. Tipoff for the game is at 7 p.m. NFL Detroit Lions offensive tackle Dan Skipper announced his retirement via Instagram on Thursday. Skipper was dealing with a lower back injury all season. He said he will pursue coaching in his future. Hubbard Street Dance Chicago Hubbard Street Dance Chicago is performing at the Detroit Opera House Jan. 24-25. The program will feature works from contemporary choreographers and Tony Award–winning Broadway choreographer Bob Fosse. For more information go to detroitopera.com.  

Detroit Dog Rescue is looking for families to foster dogs for two weeks to protect them from the bitter cold. The shelter and many veterinary boarding facilities are full. As temperatures plummet for the next few days more dogs are expected to die from the cold than survive. The rescue is looking specifically to house medium to large sized pitbull-type dogs. The dogs are temperament tested, and mostly potty trained. The shelter will provide everything needed, including food and medical care. To learn more or to apply to foster, visit DetroitDogRescue.com.  Additional headlines for Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026 New grant for small businesses The City of Detroit and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation announced a new grant fund to help small businesses improve tech systems. The Rocket Community Fund will provide backing for the program.  The program will award $1,000 grants to 140 Detroit-based micro-businesses with 10 or fewer employees and under $500 thousand in annual revenue. Grants can be used to purchase hardware, software, AI, or other technology tools.   School bus safety Enforcement of Dearborn’s School Bus Stop-Arm Safety program with Bus Patrol will begin on Monday. Drivers who fail to stop for a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended will be issued a $250 civil infraction for the first offense and a $500 civil infraction for any additional offenses within one year. Under state law, motorists are required to stop at least 20 feet from a school bus when lights are flashing and must remained stopped until the bus resumes motion or the lights are off.  Leland resident fundraiser The Detroit Tenants Union is hosting a fundraising event for Leland House residents. The event will take place Jan. 23 at PJ’s Lager House at 1254 Michigan Avenue. Doors open at 8 p.m. The union is collecting monetary donations at the door and raffling off prizes. All proceeds will go directly to the Leland House residents who are still displaced from their homes. More than two dozen residents were evacuated on Dec. 10 after a major electrical failure at the building.   Value City bankruptcy Value City Furniture is going out of business, and four metro Detroit stores are having sales. The store’s parent company American Signature Inc filed for bankruptcy and is closing all assets. All sales at the stores are final, with no refunds, exchanges, or gift cards accepted. Locations include Sterling Heights, Taylor, Utica, and Westland.

Detroiters are bracing for another round of dangerously cold weather.  Temperatures late this week are forecast to drop below zero with extreme wind chills.  A cold front will pass through the state, dropping high temperatures into the single digits on Friday and Saturday.  Friday night’s low will be 10 degrees below zero.  Wind chills could reach nearly minus 30.  Severe cold weather can lead to frostbite—skin damage caused by freezing temperatures—or hypothermia, where the body’s temperature falls below 95 degrees.  If that happens, get medical attention immediately.   Throughout the cold spell, Detroit’s recreation centers and libraries will serve as places you can go to get warm.    Additional headlines for Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026 City helps residents with tax credits  Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield has helped to launch a program aimed at getting city residents to claim the tax credits they’re entitled to.  The city is working with the United Way for Southeastern Michigan, the Accounting Aid Society, and the Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency.  The coalition will advise Detroiters on how to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credits when doing their taxes this year.   Residents making less than $69,000 per year can get free tax preparation through the program.  Officials say the city helped Detroiters get $450 million in Earned Income Tax Credits last year.  Residents can call 2-1-1 or visit www.getthetaxfacts.org for more information.  Heart attack numbers drop  The American Heart Association says the number of fatalities from heart attacks and strokes is down in the United States. The organization says there were 915,000 deaths related to cardiovascular disease in 2023.  That’s down from 941,000 in the previous year.   Despite the reduction in fatalities, heart attack remains the largest cause of death in the U.S., followed by cancer, accidents, and stroke.   The Heart Association says African-American communities continue to have a disproportionately higher risk of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure.  Lincoln moves HQ to Detroit  Automotive News and the Detroit Free Press are reporting that Lincoln will move its headquarters into the Michigan Central Depot in Corktown.   The division of Ford Motor Company is currently housed in the company’s Glass House on Michigan Avenue in Dearborn, but that building is closing and will be torn down.  Ford’s world headquarters has moved to a new building in Dearborn near the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village.  Gas prices rise  Gas prices in metro Detroit have jumped in the past month.  A gallon of self-serve unleaded now averages $2.89.  That’s up from $2.79 in late December.  Analysts say prices remain relatively inexpensive because of low demand and production of winter formulations of gasoline.  Even so, AAA says Michigan is still one of the 10 most expensive states in the country for gas.  Winter car care With the extreme cold weather we’re expecting this week, keep your gas tank at least half full.  Make sure your tires are properly inflated and you have windshield wiper fluid.  Get your battery checked.  Driving with an emergency kit, including first aid materials, a flashlight, snacks, a shovel and a blanket is a good idea in case you get stuck in the snow.  AAA Michigan says if you get stranded, stay in the car for shelter unless it’s not safe to do so.  Call for help and put your hazard lights on.  

As tensions around ICE rise across the country, multiple Native American tribes in Michigan are asking their members to always carry identification in case they get stopped by immigration officers.  Tribes in other states such as Minnesota have reported instances of members being targeted and detained by ICE agents.  The Sault Ste Marie and Grand Traverse tribes, along with other tribal communities across the state, condemned ICE's actions in a series of statements reminding people they are U.S. citizens. They say Tribal ID cards are a federally recognized form of identification.  There are no reports of Michigan tribal members being detained at this time. Several tribes and the Department of Homeland Security did not respond to multiple requests for comment.  Additional headlines for Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026 Flint water settlement The process of paying out claims from the Flint water settlement is moving forward. So far, 4,400 people have secured their payment from the more than $600 million settlement with the state of Michigan, the City of Flint and several businesses. Nearly 26,000 people have qualified for a share of the settlement.  Michigan implements stricter reading program requirements The Michigan Department of Education is pushing for a stricter mandate for districts to implement "the science of reading" across the state. The Detroit News reports the department asked legislators to support mandatory training for elementary school teachers and require districts to choose from a list of approved reading programs.  Holocaust Remembrance Day International Holocaust Remembrance Day is next week and the Zekelman Holocaust Center is hosting a performance of Remembrance of Things Present to commemorate. The theatre performance by the Braid centers true stories of the children and grandchildren of Holocaust survivors through dramatic storytelling and song. The performance is Sunday, Jan. 25 at 2:30 p.m. at the Holocaust Center. Holocaust Remembrance Day is Jan. 27. It marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and honors the six million Jews and millions of others who were killed, tortured and persecuted by Nazis. Admission to the museum is free Tuesday, Jan. 27. The Zekelman Holocaust Center is located at 28123 Orchard Lake Road in Farmington Hills.  Community conversation Urban Neighborhood Initiatives is hosting a community conversation and celebration Saturday. The Springwells Summit is a space where residents can bring ideas and concerns about safety, flooding, transit, housing or any other issues. The summit is from noon-2 p.m. The afterparty is from 2-4 p.m.  Accounting Aid Society seeks volunteers for tax season The Accounting Aid Society hopes to recruit between 350 and 400 volunteers to provide no cost tax preparation services to low and no income families this tax season. No prior tax experience is required. Volunteers receive free training and certification. The Accounting Aid Society activated 387 volunteers to process more than 23,000 tax returns last year and was responsible for more than $32 million in refunds in 2025. To learn more and get involved visit accountingaidsociety.org.   

A new report says Michigan is losing teachers about as fast as it's gaining them. Researchers at Michigan State University say nearly eight thousand teachers left the field in the last academic year, while nearly the same number entered the profession. The report also highlights a reliance on temporary or interim teaching credentials. About 5% of teachers lack certification, and 3% are still in training.  Bridge Michigan notes that interim teachers are more common in charter schools and urban areas. Special education had the highest teaching vacancy rates.  Additional headlines from Friday, Jan. 16, 2026 TSA ConfirmID TSA is introducing a new option for travelers who have not yet gotten their Real ID or a passport…for a fee. It’s called the TSA ConfirmID. Starting Feb. 1, travelers will have to pay $45 for it on pay.gov. There isn’t an option to buy a ConfirmID with cash. You will still need photo identification along with the ID to fly. Passengers with Confirm ID could experience delays of up to 30 minutes for an additional screening process.   Slotkin calls for settlement in EPA Flint lawsuit Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin says Flint is still in pain and looking for justice 12 years after lead contaminated the city's drinking water. Slotkin urged the Trump administration to settle a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency.  Henry Ford exhibit celebrates 250 years of the U.S. The Henry Ford is honoring the nation’s 250th birthday with a year-long celebration called “America: 250 Years in the Making.” The celebration will be centered around two exhibitions and the opening of the Jackson Home, the house that served as the meeting place for Martin Luther King Jr and other leaders as they planned the Selma to Montgomery Marches of 1965. The two exhibitions will focus on crafting in America and a collection of textiles and fashion that helped shape the county. For more information about all programming this year visit thehenryford.org.  Hatch Detroit Contest returns Tech Town’s Hatch Detroit Contest is returning. The contest is for entrepreneurs with a retail concept looking to open a brick-and-mortar location in Detroit, Hamtramck, or Highland Park. The winner will receive $100,000 from Comerica Bank and business support from TechTown Detroit. Applications are now open. Participants can submit their business plans on hatchdetroit.com through Feb. 27.